How Do You Earn a Medical Terminology Certificate?

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Online medical terminology courses are available for students who want to earn a certificate, the American Academy of Professional Coders states. As of 2015, the AAPC course ranges from $395 to $520, depending on membership status, and the medical terminology curriculum offers preparation for coding certification exams.

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The Penn Foster medical terminology certificate program is another online option for prospective students. The program is nationally accredited and helps students build a thorough medical vocabulary by explaining the origins of medical nomenclature, according to Penn Foster Career School. The curriculum also stresses spelling, pronunciation, and definitions and fundamental knowledge of human anatomy to help coders create accurate documentation for other medical professionals. The tuition ranges from $324 to $399, depending on the studentﾒs chosen payment plan.

The medical terminology program at Ashworth College provides 10 lessons covering the essential terms used for medical procedures, treatments and diagnostic activities, Ashworth College notes. Students also learn anatomy fundamentals and study the naming practices for common diseases and disorders. The school offers flexible payment options with prices ranging from $375 to $525.

Knowledge of medical terminology is invaluable to coders because these administrative professionals manage the written and electronic documentation shared between different types of health care providers, including physicians and insurers, AAPC states. Accurate coding ensures that treatment instructions and records are communicated clearly and insurance claims are categorized correctly to help patients receive coverage.